After a long illness, Shirley V. Snell passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at Westhaven Villa Care Center in Aberdeen. She was 86 years old. She left us only 8 days after the sudden death of her oldest son, Jeff Snell.
Shirley was born in Ilwaco, Washington, on June 25, 1926, to Weino and Raymond Fisher. Her father died when she was only 7 years old. She later moved to South Bend when her mother married Rainer Ekrem who became her beloved stepfather. She graduated from South Bend High School and then in 1945, married her high school sweetheart, Elmer “Doc” Snell, who preceded her in death in 2003 after 58 years of marriage.
After living in South Bend the first few years of their marriage, they moved to Aberdeen where they raised their four sons. Shirley was a homemaker who was devoted to her family, she was known for her friendly outgoing personality and hospitable nature. She loved to cook and bake and was a talented cake decorator who made many beautiful wedding and birthday cakes over the years. She loved the holiday season and would bake trays of cookies that she gave to her family and many friends. She loved family get-togethers and was instrumental in always bringing her family together for gatherings.
Shirley was a longtime member of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Sweet Adeline’s chorus. She was extremely proud of her four sons and a staunch supporter of their activities and accomplishments. She loved her many grandchildren and over the years she traveled many times to the east coast as well as to Poland, Germany, and Greece to visit her son, Terry, and his family.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; and her son, Jeff (Diane). She is survived by her sister, Sheila (Allen) Lavinder; sons, Terry (Joy) of Annandale, Va., Bruce (Amy) of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Eric (Carrie) of Aberdeen, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Diane of Aberdeen; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorials can be made to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church. To sign the online book of memories, or to light a memorial candle please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
